birthed by country folks
hardened by truck driving
shocked by Pacific sea battles
sweetened by life-mate’s gaze
fathered by six children
calloused by window washing
cramped by letter writing
softened by ninety winters

Seasoned hands of burr oak tree ––

hover over his 1930s home
stretch toward the heavens
bow beneath wind-storms
afford homes to nesting birds, playgrounds for squirrels
yield fringed acorns every third year
whisper stories of its centuried-life
carry dreams of small children
image the Tree of Life

Unlike the acorns, yielding fruit every three years, the fruit of these seasoned hands remains forever. We give thanks to Creator God!